Paris, Sep 23: France forward Ousmane Dembele has been crowned the winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, football’s most prestigious individual honor, after leading Paris Saint-Germain to an unprecedented treble that included their first-ever UEFA Champions League title.

The 28-year-old edged out Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal at a dazzling ceremony in Paris, succeeding last year’s winner, Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri. Dembele’s season was nothing short of spectacular, netting 35 goals across all competitions and emerging as PSG’s talisman under coach Luis Enrique.

Runner-up Lamine Yamal, just 18, was honoured with the Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21 — his second consecutive win — cementing his status as one of the brightest young stars in the sport.

Also read: Runner-up Lamine Yamal, just 18, was honoured with the Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21 — his second consecutive win

In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmati of Barcelona and Spain claimed her third consecutive Ballon d’Or, edging out compatriot Mariona Caldentey, who starred for Arsenal and scored in the Women’s Champions League final.

Bonmati’s season was marked by resilience and brilliance. Despite missing Spain’s opening two matches at Euro 2025 due to viral meningitis, she returned to lead her team to the final, where they narrowly lost to England on penalties.

She was named player of the tournament and continued to shine at club level, even as Barcelona fell to Caldentey’s Arsenal in the Champions League decider.

(IANS)

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